Tennis icon Serena Williams made an unexpected appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl halftime show of Superdome in New Orleans, sending social media into an absolute frenzy.
Serena Williams, renowned for her dominance in tennis, showcased a different side of herself as she danced on stage during Lamar’s electrifying performance, which also featured SZA and Samuel L. Jackson. The moment instantly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night, with fans marveling at Williams’ effortless presence on such a grand stage.
What made her cameo particularly intriguing was the deeper context behind it. Longtime followers of Serena Williams may recall her past romantic connection with Drake, who happens to be embroiled in a well-publicized feud with Lamar. Lamar’s performance featured his hit track Not Like Us, a song packed with references aimed at Drake, making Williams’ presence all the more significant. The sheer coincidence of her dancing to a diss track directed at her former partner only added fuel to the spectacle.
However, Serena Williams’ appearance wasn’t solely about creating buzz. It was also a symbolic nod to shared hometown pride, as both Williams and Lamar hail from Compton, California. This connection made the moment feel like a powerful tribute to their roots, as two of Compton’s most celebrated figures shared the stage on one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.
After her striking appearance, Serena Williams took to social media to express her excitement. She shared a video of her dazzling halftime outfit on X, writing, “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!” Her enthusiasm was matched by the internet’s reaction, with X erupting in excitement over her unexpected role in the show.
Fans couldn’t contain their amazement, with one exclaiming, “Kendrick brought Serena Williams on stage OMGGG!” Another posted in disbelief, “Kendrick got Serena Williams dancing while playing They Not Like Us.”
Lamar delivered a high-energy set that didn’t shy away from controversy. Alongside Not Like Us, he reportedly incorporated lyrics from another Drake diss track, Euphoria, and performed a medley of his biggest hits, including All of the Stars, Squabble Up, Humble, and DNA.
For a moment, it seemed as though Lamar might avoid performing Not Like Us entirely. He teased the audience with a cryptic line: “Ladies / I wanna make a move / I wanna perform their favorite song / But you know they love to sue.” Yet in the end, he delivered the track—though with a subtle adjustment. Notably, he rapped, “Certified Lover Boy, certified…” but omitted the controversial lyric from the original version.
With Serena Williams’ surprise appearance adding another layer of intrigue to an already explosive performance, the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most talked-about in recent history.